MICKLETON SOCIETY: Minutes and reports summarised the events of the last year at the AGM, the officers were re-elected and the chairman, John Atherton, expressed his warm thanks to the outgoing committee members for their considerable work over the last three years. He welcomed five new committee members, Daphne Needham, Iris Fawcett, Robert Brookes and John and Marion Franklin. We then heard Dr Alan Burden speak on 'The Bells of Chipping Campden'. There have been bells in St James Church since the 16th century. There are eight bells hung for change ringing in the English style. The 120ft high tower has to cope with four tons of eight bells and vibrates when these are rung. In the 1980s supporting timbers needed replacing, and it was decided to build a new steel frame and to recast the bells. Dr Burden recorded the stages and photographed the process, which meant he climbed the 114 narrow spiral steps of the tower very often. The two-man team from the Whitechapel foundry used hoists and block and tackle secured to a steel joist to lift the bells clear of the old frame. They then moved them sideways and downwards to the church floor, through the floor openings in the three rooms in the tower, and then out onto the foundry lorry. The lorry left in the spring, returning in the summer for the bells to be rehung on a new frame that was built around them because of the limited space. These bells are now serving the church and community, and are ready to do so for years to come. John Franklin gave the vote of thanks commenting on the expert and beautiful photography as well as the informative talk and lovely sound of the bells. The summer garden party is on June 15 and the outing on September 10.